In southwest Uganda, where misty bamboo forests merge into steep volcanic slopes, lies Mgahinga National Park - a sanctuary for the rare mountain gorilla. Only a small number of these impressive primates live here in close-knit family groups, led by an imposing silverback. Meeting them is an experience beyond words: the deep, calm gaze of a gorilla reflects both strength and tenderness.
As you trek through the park, you move through a landscape of ferns, mosses and mist. Suddenly, the greenery breaks open and a gorilla group appears in peace, eating, playing or dreaming among the bamboo. The proximity of these animals leaves a lasting impression - a moment of pure connection between man and nature.
This photo collection captures the majesty and fragility of the mountain gorilla: their social interactions, expressive faces and the serene strength with which they move through the forest. A tribute to a species that symbolises protection, respect and harmony with nature.
                                
 
                         Scotland - River through Scottish LandscapeRick Massar
Scotland - River through Scottish LandscapeRick Massar Scotland - Old Man of StorrRick Massar
Scotland - Old Man of StorrRick Massar Madagascar - Sunrise in Zafimaniry villageRick Massar
Madagascar - Sunrise in Zafimaniry villageRick Massar Monteverde Cloud Forest – The Enchanted Mist of Costa RicaRick Massar
Monteverde Cloud Forest – The Enchanted Mist of Costa RicaRick Massar Arenal Hanging Bridges – Mistico ParkRick Massar
Arenal Hanging Bridges – Mistico ParkRick Massar Arenal Hanging Bridges – Mistico ParkRick Massar
Arenal Hanging Bridges – Mistico ParkRick Massar Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar
Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar
Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar
Blue-grey tanager - Touch of tropical blue in Costa RicaRick Massar Thick-billed Euphonia - A colourful singer from the rainforestRick Massar
Thick-billed Euphonia - A colourful singer from the rainforestRick Massar Gorillas of Mgahinga - Face to face with the giants of the forestRick Massar
Gorillas of Mgahinga - Face to face with the giants of the forestRick Massar Eye contact in the jungle - The magic of MgahingaRick Massar
Eye contact in the jungle - The magic of MgahingaRick Massar Between bamboo and fog - The life of the golden monkeyRick Massar
Between bamboo and fog - The life of the golden monkeyRick Massar Golden movement - Playful residents of Mgahinga National ParkRick Massar
Golden movement - Playful residents of Mgahinga National ParkRick Massar Between sunlight and leaves - The enchantment of the golden monkeyRick Massar
Between sunlight and leaves - The enchantment of the golden monkeyRick Massar Colour and life - The magical world of Mgahinga's monkeysRick Massar
Colour and life - The magical world of Mgahinga's monkeysRick Massar The jewel bird of the savannah - Warbler in his elementRick Massar
The jewel bird of the savannah - Warbler in his elementRick Massar Between dust and grass - Uganda's gentle giantsRick Massar
Between dust and grass - Uganda's gentle giantsRick Massar Majestic steps - Elephants in the golden lightRick Massar
Majestic steps - Elephants in the golden lightRick Massar Sunset over Kidepo - The breath of the mountainsRick Massar
Sunset over Kidepo - The breath of the mountainsRick Massar